When considering Plastic Surgery there are both
good and bad stories that we have all heard. You do your research, look
at patient pictures, speak with people who have undergone the surgery
you are about to, and met with the doctor and feel comfortable and
ready. You still feel nervous, and worry about you being the next
horror story. We are giving you some advice to ask your Plastic Surgeon
prior to your surgery date:
1. What Board Certifications does this
Doctor have? Doctors board-certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery are the most reliable. Be careful
because some doctors can be certified in other areas of medicine and
have only undergone a training course or �claim� to be double or triple
board certified, but there is no such thing.
2. How long has the Doctor been Performing
this Procedure? Experience is a major turning point when choosing a
plastic surgeon. Most Plastic Surgeons have a website with a variety of
information regarding each procedure as well as brochures in the
office. You should be able to consult with your doctor before making
any decisions about possible risks and complications.
3. Can I see Before and After Pictures?
Most credible surgeons have a variety of photos on-line or in their
office of their patients and their work they have performed. Carefully
view each photo and try to get a feel of how you will look after the
surgery. Your surgeon should be able to tell you approximately what and
how much they will remove or add.
4. Can I speak with an actual Patient who
has undergone this Procedure? Speaking to the doctor�s actual
patients will give you an idea of what to expect regarding pain,
post-surgery recovery and any possible complications that may go wrong.
These conversations are private and you may ask them anything without
worrying.
5. If this Procedure is performed in a
Surgery Center, are the Facility Medicare Certified and State Licensed?
If a facility is certified by both, they are to be under strict safety,
operational, management, and sterilization protocols. The doctor most
likely has a Surgical Assistant as well as an Anesthesiologist on hand
so the doctor can perform the surgery efficiently and effectively.
6. What is the Payment Schedule? Most
likely you can pay by cash, check and credit cards. Most Plastic
surgeons accept all credit cards, but verify prior to payment. Some
offices do offer payment plans as well as a separate fee for the
Surgical Center. You should get all this information in your initial
consultation.
7. Who will perform the Surgery and
Post-Operative Care? Most Plastic Surgeons perform their own
surgeries. Discuss prior to surgery if a resident or
surgeon-in-training will be assisting or performing the surgery. Most
offices have the Nurses do post-operative care to remove sutures and
bandages and the doctor will follow-up to each appointment after the
Nurse has completed her job. |